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Look in the Foot Care section of a pharmacy.pumice stone
Coming from a manual labour background a callus for me is my skins way of protecting itself, when I worked with my hands I had calluses at the bottom of each fingers where I would be handling tools all day, since I haven't done that type of work for twenty years the calluses have disappeared. The same goes for my feet, I've always been active and walk a lot and I have had calluses at the same area of my feet for as long as I can remember the inside of each foot at the bottom of the big toe and top of big toe, it has never been an issue and I have never sought out professional help, once a month using a foot scraper or file to remove the excess hard skin appears to have worked for me.Since you already have contact with a podiatrist she would probably be your best source of advice. My own practice with calluses when they develop is simply to file them down with a pumice stone - wet and with a little soap to make the action easier. But perhaps you should also try to identify any issues with your footwear that are causing the calluses to form in the first place. A wider fitting in your shoes or boots perhaps?
I always make an appointment with my podiatrist early in the new calendar year, to get ahead of foot issues, in case multiple visits are needed. Presently, we are playing "whack-a-mole" with several plantar warts.As I’m trying to prepare for my first Camino in August, I’m trying to identify possible issues I might need to resolve before I start my walk.
I have big calluses on the outer side of my big toes. They never bothered me, but I’m concerned they may be an issue if I try to walk 500 miles. I tried doing a search here and I wasnt’ aware that sometimes a blister can form under or next to a callus, but apparently some feel that they can have a protective effect.
While the calluses don’t bother me, I do feel them when walking in my new Hokas. I saw a podiatrist (first time ever) for an unrelated problem (pain on the Right foot arch), she did point out the callus and shaved a little of it.
I’ve been looking at over the counter callus remedies, usually having Salicylic acid, but I’m hesitant to try anything chemical. I’ve seen an assortment of cushions, bandages, etc for corns and calluses, but before I try any of this, I thought I’d ask experienced, seasoned walkers for their input.
Also, I never thought I would ever ask this, but would a pedicure help me in any way? Being that I’m an older, old-fashioned guy, the thought of having my feet tended to never entered my mind, but I really don’t know what’s involved besides pampering the feet, and having my toenails painted is not my cup of tea (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being that I have 6 months to my trip, I want to start taking care of them properly.
Thanks for any input about this somewhat embarrassing topic!
This is not a question of pampering. Make an appointment pronto with a podiatrist. Long before you set off. I speak as an aged lady, not that gender is an issue here. Make sure your treatment is well before you need to start walking the 500 miles. Or 800 km. I do hope all your questions have found answers before you set off!!!As I’m trying to prepare for my first Camino in August, I’m trying to identify possible issues I might need to resolve before I start my walk.
I have big calluses on the outer side of my big toes. They never bothered me, but I’m concerned they may be an issue if I try to walk 500 miles. I tried doing a search here and I wasnt’ aware that sometimes a blister can form under or next to a callus, but apparently some feel that they can have a protective effect.
While the calluses don’t bother me, I do feel them when walking in my new Hokas. I saw a podiatrist (first time ever) for an unrelated problem (pain on the Right foot arch), she did point out the callus and shaved a little of it.
I’ve been looking at over the counter callus remedies, usually having Salicylic acid, but I’m hesitant to try anything chemical. I’ve seen an assortment of cushions, bandages, etc for corns and calluses, but before I try any of this, I thought I’d ask experienced, seasoned walkers for their input.
Also, I never thought I would ever ask this, but would a pedicure help me in any way? Being that I’m an older, old-fashioned guy, the thought of having my feet tended to never entered my mind, but I really don’t know what’s involved besides pampering the feet, and having my toenails painted is not my cup of tea (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being that I have 6 months to my trip, I want to start taking care of them properly.
Thanks for any input about this somewhat embarrassing topic!
Isn't a chiropodist just a different name for a podiatrist? I have never heard the term chiropodist used in the US.Your podiatrist will probably recommend a good local chiropodist. I generally take my feet in for a service a couple of weeks before a long walk.
Getting a pedicure is a great start. I also have heavy callused feet and thick toenails. I had my toenails cut a short as possible and didn't do anything about my calluses. I walked the CF and onto Fisterre and Muxia. From 13 Apr to 31 May I walked about 600 miles with no blisters or foot problems. Spend a lot of time on your shoe/sock selection to help eliminate problems.As I’m trying to prepare for my first Camino in August, I’m trying to identify possible issues I might need to resolve before I start my walk.
I have big calluses on the outer side of my big toes. They never bothered me, but I’m concerned they may be an issue if I try to walk 500 miles. I tried doing a search here and I wasnt’ aware that sometimes a blister can form under or next to a callus, but apparently some feel that they can have a protective effect.
While the calluses don’t bother me, I do feel them when walking in my new Hokas. I saw a podiatrist (first time ever) for an unrelated problem (pain on the Right foot arch), she did point out the callus and shaved a little of it.
I’ve been looking at over the counter callus remedies, usually having Salicylic acid, but I’m hesitant to try anything chemical. I’ve seen an assortment of cushions, bandages, etc for corns and calluses, but before I try any of this, I thought I’d ask experienced, seasoned walkers for their input.
Also, I never thought I would ever ask this, but would a pedicure help me in any way? Being that I’m an older, old-fashioned guy, the thought of having my feet tended to never entered my mind, but I really don’t know what’s involved besides pampering the feet, and having my toenails painted is not my cup of tea (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being that I have 6 months to my trip, I want to start taking care of them properly.
Thanks for any input about this somewhat embarrassing topic!
Podiatrist (IMHO) is more ‘structural’; a chiropodist more ‘superficial’. Apologies if there are any of either online and I’m misrepresenting you. Both certainly co-exist in the UK. I often forget the increasing north-American bias on here.Isn't a chiropodist just a different name for a podiatrist? I have never heard the term chiropodist used in the US.
The two terms are interchangeable in the UK. There is no difference in training or registration - it is the same profession. "Chiropodist" is gradually falling out of favour and being replaced by "Podiatrist" as the preferred term as it has wider international recognition.Podiatrist (IMHO) is more ‘structural’; a chiropodist more ‘superficial’. Apologies if there are any of either online and I’m misrepresenting you. Both certainly co-exist in the UK. I often forget the increasing north-American bias on here.
Sorry to insert my bias. Is a chiropodist a physician? Or a type of medical professional that deals with things like in grown toenails, calluses, etc ?Podiatrist (IMHO) is more ‘structural’; a chiropodist more ‘superficial’. Apologies if there are any of either online and I’m misrepresenting you. Both certainly co-exist in the UK. I often forget the increasing north-American bias on here.
Thanks - I stand corrected. Perhaps it’s that those who practice locally to me seem to specialise in either biomechanics and orthotics or superficial conditions. Those which do one round here more certainly don’t do the other.The two terms are interchangeable in the UK. There is no difference in training or registration - it is the same profession. "Chiropodist" is gradually falling out of favour and being replaced by "Podiatrist" as the preferred term as it has wider international recognition.
Podiatry (Community) - Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Podiatry (Community) Podiatrists diagnose treat and manage conditions/diseases of the feet and legs.There is no difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist. 'Podiatrist' is the term used for chiropodists in other English speaking countries. The team is qualified to treat people with...www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk
The latter.Sorry to insert my bias. Is a chiropodist a physician? Or a type of medical professional that deals with things like in grown toenails, calluses, etc ?
As far as the two names, I was going off of what this site says: https://www.brightwellclinic.co.uk/the-difference-between-podiatrists-and-chiropodists
I book an appointment with the podiatrist specifically just to remove calluses. I have had blisters underneath calluses before, which were really painful and difficult to treat. For this I recommend a podiatrist, rather than one of the cosmetic type salons.Also, I never thought I would ever ask this, but would a pedicure help me in any way? Being that I’m an older, old-fashioned guy, the thought of having my feet tended to never entered my mind, but I really don’t know what’s involved besides pampering the feet, and having my toenails painted is not my cup of tea (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being that I have 6 months to my trip, I want to start taking care of them properly.
Thanks for any input about this somewhat embarrassing topic!
I had a quick look online and this place near Orlando seems to have "walkers' wool", which is just raw wool:Thanks!
The podiatrist is the one that pointed out the callus, and pointed out that they were likely caused by the shoes I’ve been wearing since last April. She pulled out the insole and there was actually a crater there! She did shave some of it off, but since I was there for a different issue, she didnt’ spend too much time on it. I bough my new Hokas the day after, so that will probably help, but I doubt that the calluses will reabsorb on their own. I never heard about hikers wool, or pumice stone, where do I get these? I have sooo much to learn! Since I’ve been to the local American Pilgrims chapter and there’s an upcoming walk in a couple of weeks, I’ll also ask for recommendations of a podiatrist that is more familiar with “Caminology” (I just invented the term ha!). I saw this lady podiatrist just once, office was too busy so I’m not too keen on going back there if I can find a better alternative.
I was just visiting my mother in California and she mentioned a chiropodist. She is 93.Podiatrist (IMHO) is more ‘structural’; a chiropodist more ‘superficial’. Apologies if there are any of either online and I’m misrepresenting you. Both certainly co-exist in the UK. I often forget the increasing north-American bias on here.
Time passes slowly in this part of England. One of my close friends is (probably the last) of a long line of Flookburgh fishermen. His father was in the navy in the Second World War and worked with a number of Scandinavian fishermen on a low-key clandestine ‘taxi’ service - his very local vocabulary contained so much derived from old Norse that he was able to communicate fairly well.I was just visiting my mother in California and she mentioned a chiropodist. She is 93.
Since you already have a relationship with a podiatrist, and you are "concerned" that the calluses may bother you I have a simple suggestion. Before taking any action, walk 10-15 miles a day for 5 days straight, with pack if you can. This should be enough for your feet/body getting accustomed to the distance walking daily. Then when done evaluate how your feet felt, did you develop any problems, and if so take the appropriate action. You are getting close enough to your departure I would want to know if the calluses really cause problems. If you do choose to remove or alter the calluses I would perform the same test. This will tell you lots about what problems you may encounter on your coming camino, did the alteration actually help your feet, and allow you to prepare another course of action.As I’m trying to prepare for my first Camino in August, I’m trying to identify possible issues I might need to resolve before I start my walk.
I have big calluses on the outer side of my big toes. They never bothered me, but I’m concerned they may be an issue if I try to walk 500 miles. I tried doing a search here and I wasnt’ aware that sometimes a blister can form under or next to a callus, but apparently some feel that they can have a protective effect.
I’ve been walking 1-3 miles a day for the last 3-4 years prior to deciding to do the Camino, so I’m bumping up my walks to 5-6 miles a day, sometimes with a pack. I’m also breaking in my new Hokas trail runners as well. I’m planning to keep adding mileage so I get used to the walking before the FL heat begins. My start date is still 6 months away so I didn’t think this was close. Thanks!Since you already have a relationship with a podiatrist, and you are "concerned" that the calluses may bother you I have a simple suggestion. Before taking any action, walk 10-15 miles a day for 5 days straight, with pack if you can. This should be enough for your feet/body getting accustomed to the distance walking daily. Then when done evaluate how your feet felt, did you develop any problems, and if so take the appropriate action. You are getting close enough to your departure I would want to know if the calluses really cause problems. If you do choose to remove or alter the calluses I would perform the same test. This will tell you lots about what problems you may encounter on your coming camino, did the alteration actually help your feet, and allow you to prepare another course of action.
My wife and I did exactly this before our first camino and we learned so much that allowed us to make decisions on socks and footwear, among other things. One key thing for us was pre-wrapping the areas that tended to develop hot spots with KT tape that became a life saver on our caminos.
You are getting close enough to your departure that callus removal is a one way street. Always best to proceed with knowledge.
Late returning to the thread. My understanding is that the modern podiatrist, in Ireland, is the new fangled professional previously known as a chiropodist. I know a wonderful chiropodist, an elderly gentleman. I also know, from experience as a person with type2 diabetes, that the much younger person who deals with my feet is a podiatrist. More bells and whistles? Maybe, but the important thing for anyone heading off on a long walk, camino or trek or whatever you prefer to call it - yes, have the treatment at least a week at the latest before you set off. Give your poor feet time to readjust.The two terms are interchangeable in the UK. There is no difference in training or registration - it is the same profession. "Chiropodist" is gradually falling out of favour and being replaced by "Podiatrist" as the preferred term as it has wider international recognition.
Podiatry (Community) - Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Podiatry (Community) Podiatrists diagnose treat and manage conditions/diseases of the feet and legs.There is no difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist. 'Podiatrist' is the term used for chiropodists in other English speaking countries. The team is qualified to treat people with...www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk
Callouses are an indicator of your shoe not fitting properly. I would guess not enough support under your arch. Maybe see another Pediatrist who can suggest a different shoe or insole. But also go and enjoy a nice pedicure. Beware if your feet are ticklish howeverAs I’m trying to prepare for my first Camino in August, I’m trying to identify possible issues I might need to resolve before I start my walk.
I have big calluses on the outer side of my big toes. They never bothered me, but I’m concerned they may be an issue if I try to walk 500 miles. I tried doing a search here and I wasnt’ aware that sometimes a blister can form under or next to a callus, but apparently some feel that they can have a protective effect.
While the calluses don’t bother me, I do feel them when walking in my new Hokas. I saw a podiatrist (first time ever) for an unrelated problem (pain on the Right foot arch), she did point out the callus and shaved a little of it.
I’ve been looking at over the counter callus remedies, usually having Salicylic acid, but I’m hesitant to try anything chemical. I’ve seen an assortment of cushions, bandages, etc for corns and calluses, but before I try any of this, I thought I’d ask experienced, seasoned walkers for their input.
Also, I never thought I would ever ask this, but would a pedicure help me in any way? Being that I’m an older, old-fashioned guy, the thought of having my feet tended to never entered my mind, but I really don’t know what’s involved besides pampering the feet, and having my toenails painted is not my cup of tea (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being that I have 6 months to my trip, I want to start taking care of them properly.
Thanks for any input about this somewhat embarrassing topic!
My wife experienced a lot of foot issues. She could barely walk a mile without getting blisters. She now uses a donut pad on her calluses with good success. Podiatrist recommended cushioned sleeves to slide over toes that tend to cross over. Beware that not all of these sleeves have the same cushioning so need to try out to see what works. In USA, CVS brand has worked best for her. The only issues for her now is 1) be diligent to use the padding and 2) getting socks on without moving the pads. Good luck.As I’m trying to prepare for my first Camino in August, I’m trying to identify possible issues I might need to resolve before I start my walk.
I have big calluses on the outer side of my big toes. They never bothered me, but I’m concerned they may be an issue if I try to walk 500 miles. I tried doing a search here and I wasnt’ aware that sometimes a blister can form under or next to a callus, but apparently some feel that they can have a protective effect.
While the calluses don’t bother me, I do feel them when walking in my new Hokas. I saw a podiatrist (first time ever) for an unrelated problem (pain on the Right foot arch), she did point out the callus and shaved a little of it.
I’ve been looking at over the counter callus remedies, usually having Salicylic acid, but I’m hesitant to try anything chemical. I’ve seen an assortment of cushions, bandages, etc for corns and calluses, but before I try any of this, I thought I’d ask experienced, seasoned walkers for their input.
Also, I never thought I would ever ask this, but would a pedicure help me in any way? Being that I’m an older, old-fashioned guy, the thought of having my feet tended to never entered my mind, but I really don’t know what’s involved besides pampering the feet, and having my toenails painted is not my cup of tea (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being that I have 6 months to my trip, I want to start taking care of them properly.
Thanks for any input about this somewhat embarrassing topic!
I saw the podiatrist as soon as I decided to do the Camino, to make sure there wasn’t anything urgent (like needing surgery, for example), before buying shoes for the Camino. I’ve been wearing running shoes for the last year or so, and she pointed out the craters in my insoles, and shaved off some of the calluses on the right foot, and she told me to go ahead and buy new shoes, and that it was OK to try out insoles. So the next day I bought my trail runners Hokas, 1/2 size bigger than my size, as well as Keen sandals that might be suitable for hiking if needed (if I get swollen feet, for example) and for the evenings. So I’m breaking in my new Hokas, I bought insoles for arch support, and I’ve also been using double socks, Darn Tough and some thinner dress socks (which should go inside, which should go outside?). I haven’t tried the Vaseline thing yet, but that’s next.Callouses are an indicator of your shoe not fitting properly. I would guess not enough support under your arch. Maybe see another Pediatrist who can suggest a different shoe or insole. But also go and enjoy a nice pedicure. Beware if your feet are ticklish however
Thanks, will check these out. I did buy Hokas 1/2 size bigger a couple of weeks ago, so far they seem to be working out OK.My wife experienced a lot of foot issues. She could barely walk a mile without getting blisters. She now uses a donut pad on her calluses with good success. Podiatrist recommended cushioned sleeves to slide over toes that tend to cross over. Beware that not all of these sleeves have the same cushioning so need to try out to see what works. In USA, CVS brand has worked best for her. The only issues for her now is 1) be diligent to use the padding and 2) getting socks on without moving the pads. Good luck.
Just from her experience, make sure your shoes are large enough. Consider ½ to full size larger shoes.
First time, I used vaseline, inner liner socks and outer thick socks. Other points nor relevant here, but I finally gave up the liner socks. The vaseline does its own job of minimising friction. For me. Maybe not for anybody else. Also, evry 2 hours, sit, off with shoes and socks and air for 20 mins. Pin socks to bag, wear dry socks, repeat every two hours. As before, worked for me.I saw the podiatrist as soon as I decided to do the Camino, to make sure there wasn’t anything urgent (like needing surgery, for example), before buying shoes for the Camino. I’ve been wearing running shoes for the last year or so, and she pointed out the craters in my insoles, and shaved off some of the calluses on the right foot, and she told me to go ahead and buy new shoes, and that it was OK to try out insoles. So the next day I bought my trail runners Hokas, 1/2 size bigger than my size, as well as Keen sandals that might be suitable for hiking if needed (if I get swollen feet, for example) and for the evenings. So I’m breaking in my new Hokas, I bought insoles for arch support, and I’ve also been using double socks, Darn Tough and some thinner dress socks (which should go inside, which should go outside?). I haven’t tried the Vaseline thing yet, but that’s next.
Maybe it’s my imagination, but after a couple of weeks, I think the calluses are starting to thin out, but we’ll see. So much to learn! Thanks!
Compared is meant to be put on an open wound. It's kind of expensive to use for prevention when something like hiker's wool, two layers of socks or moleskin work just as well or better.put a fresh compeed on before I hit the trail... prevent the development of anything new that way??
Oh, I know what Compeed is *meant* for... but I've also found that if I am stuck in a situation and have a spot I want to protect, that the squishy cushion has always been brilliant and the other methods have been almost but not quite unfailing.Compared is meant to be put on an open wound. It's kind of expensive to use for prevention when something like hiker's wool, two layers of socks or moleskin work just as well or better.
I can highly recommend @RebeccaRushton's excellent website for extensive information about what causes blisters, how to avoid them, and how to treat them if your avoidance tactics didn't work. I recently gave a presentation about blisters to my local pilgrim group, and learned a lot from reading Rebecca's site and watching her videos.
Foot Blister Prevention & Treatment | Blister Prevention
Foot blisters are a very common injury. But do you know what causes blisters on feet? Watch our videos to find out the best blister prevention & treatments.www.blister-prevention.com
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